This is, by far, the most dangerous time of the year. Taking a trip up requires *judgment*. Getting into fresh snow may be a situation in which 1/4 mile an hour is a herculean effort. Snowshoes may not help. It may be colder than mid-winter. There is actual navigation, even on the main trail.
With three feet of fresh snow, I don't know if the switchback area is even climbable at all, right now.
I've advocated, for some time, that the USDA FS should allow guiding on the main trail during this, and spring. I don't know the details of what is going on with this group.
But I know that if a professional guide service were operating high on the mountain, that there would be options that don't exist now.
